SR0462 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0462 LRB093 21555 HSS 48763 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Reverend James Solomon Benn III of Springfield on Friday, March 12, 2004; and

WHEREAS, James Solomon Benn III was born January 20, 1921 in Greenville, South Carolina to Reverend James Solomon Jr. and Lottie Mae Carter Benn; he married Flora Annetta Baber in 1950; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Benn earned a bachelor's degree from Wilberforce (Ohio) University, a master's degree from Columbia University, and a theology degree from Garrett Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University; he earned a doctorate of divinity in 1955 and a doctorate of humanities in 1985, both from Monrovia College in West Africa; he also earned a doctorate of divinity from B.F. Lee Seminary at Edward Waters College; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Benn valiantly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War; he served in Europe and Asia and was commissioned a lieutenant in 1948; he received several awards, including the Good Conduct Medal; he also served in the ROTC; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Benn was a pastor at several churches, including St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1981 and Ward Chapel AME Church in Peoria from 1955 to 1958, where he also was a builder; and

WHEREAS, The work of Reverend Benn was published several times; he received the Distinguished Personalities of the West and Midwest award in 1972 and the NAACP Distinguished Religious Award for Community Service in 1987; he was honored by the Common Council Resolution; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Benn was active in the community and had served in the capacity of an officer for several organizations, including the Sangamon County Community Service Block Grants, where he was vice-president; the Illinois AME Conference, where he was director of continuing education; the Illinois Annual Conference, where he was chairman, board of admissions; the Human Services Consortium, Fourth Episcopal District, where he was executive secretary; and the State of Michigan, Handicapper Concerns, where he was commisioner in 1979; he was a charter member and co-organizer of MacDougal/Hunt Citizens District Council in Detroit, Michigan in 1977; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Reverend James Solomon Benn III has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Flora Annetta; his sons, George Henry Benn and James Solomon Benn IV; his daughter, Victoria D. Benn Rochelle; his three grandchildren; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Reverend James Solomon Benn III, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Benn as an expression of our sincere condolences.